Of late, much attention seems to be focused on “improving” handgun platforms using compensators, suppressors, red dot optics, lasers, and lights. This is not only for running more efficiently, but also to add increased flexibility when responding to threats. Staccato is here to help with their Staccato XC. The Staccato XC platform itself is the enhancement. Don’t worry, the XC also accommodates the accessories mentioned and has an integrated compensator seamlessly fitted up front. The XC is Staccato’s labor of love, exhibiting an extra degree of hand fitting and tweaks and making it the premier rendition of what the high-capacity 9mm 2011 platform offers.

From STI to Staccato

From its beginnings in the 1980s as a supplier of high-end 1911 components, then transitioning into offering high end 1911/2011 pistols under the STI moniker, one thing is certain—Staccato has been at the forefront of modernizing the 1911 in ways not previously conceived. The area of competition shooting led their initial market drive. Staccato later decided to focus on the tactical arena based, on experience garnered with its STI Tactical models. The adaptation into the tactical realm—and name change to Staccato in May 2020—was, and is, based on Staccato’s new leadership team which features people with strong military and law enforcement backgrounds. This was all foreshadowed in 2018 when the U.S. Marshal Service chose the 2011 STI Staccato 9mm for its elite SOG unit. Long Beach SWAT was another early convert to the Staccato 2011 9mm platform. High round count testing protocols with these agencies gave invaluable feedback to Staccato in terms of production methods, material upgrades for certain high wear parts, its recoil system, and, most importantly, improvement to its magazine design.

The 2011

In AR terms, think of the 2011 frame as the “lower” and the slide as the “upper.” The patented 2011 frame arrived in 1994 as an invention of STI. It’s is a modular, two-piece design consisting of a 4140 steel forend section mated to a polymer grip section. The steel component contains the rails that interact with the slide, fire control group, thumb and grip safeties, slide stop, and railed dust cover. The grip is made of a proprietary glass-filled polymer with side panels featuring a raised pattern design for texture. The same raised pattern from the grip is found on the front strap and flat mainspring housing. The Staccato XC’s slide is CNC-machined, heat-treated 4140 steel. The stainless-steel slide features angled front and rear slide serrations. All metal components have DLC finish.

The 2011 polymer grip is contoured to maintain 1911 characteristics while accommodating a high-capacity double-stack magazine. Staccato sagely decided to keep the 17-degree grip angle that the 1911 is renowned for. A nuance of the polymer grip construction is its relatively thin front strap and sidewalls, which allows for measurements comparable to a typical single-stack 1911 but with twice the round capacity. The 2011 frame does not require a gargantuan paw for the shooter to feel in control of the gun. There is only a 0.25-inch difference in circumference in a 2011 frame compared to a 1911.

Staccato’s design philosophy is to combine the highest quality raw materials, the best CNC equipment, and the most thought out components. The most important part of the manufacturing process is the master gunsmiths pulling it all together. There are no assembly line methods with the Staccato XC. It’s a limited production item.

The Details

The Staccato XC’s single action trigger pull is factory set for a 2.5 pounds. Performance enhancing features include oversized ambidextrous thumb safeties, a high-grip beavertail safety with a palm pad, and an extended ejector. The Staccato XC weighs 37.5 ounces with its 5-inch bull barrel.

The XC’s barrel/slide configuration is an indicator that something special is afoot. The “island” front sight affixed to the barrel nestled behind the single-port compensator quickly grabs your attention. Typical of Staccato, the compensator is not merely screwed onto a threaded barrel. In fact, a design was created that does not require a threaded barrel. This is good news for those living in jurisdictions prohibiting threaded barrels. The compensator and island front sight are part of the barrel that’s independent of the slide. This maintains maximum sight radius and allows for superior front sight tracking between shots.

The Staccato XC’s second generation double-stack magazine is a redesign of the original STI magazine with its body set to precise and consistent measurements at the feed lips and follower and throughout the length of the magazine body—both front-to-back and side-to-side. This translates into more consistent reliability and performance. In addition, features such as witness holes and polishing of the interior and exterior of the mag body further enhance the quality of these magazines. The “ribs” of the 9mm magazines run all the way down both sides. The days of needing to “tune” STI competition weapons and magazines are over. Staccato 2011s are meant to function reliably right out of the box. The 2011 9mm platform uses 16-, 17-, 20-, or 26-round magazines with the Staccato XC arriving with two 17-round and one 20-round magazine.

It Feels Good

My prior experience with STI Tactical 45 and Staccato C2 2011s left me impressed. How could the Staccato XC improve? All the descriptions, no matter one’s best effort, fall short in conveying how smooth the XC operates. The pistol harkens back to the STI competition days with its performance level. However, the XC is all about real world applications—whether it’s on the range for training, sporting, and, most importantly, duty or personal defense roles. Staccato’s commitment to reliability for the tactical realm stays in place with the XC.

It’s not just the integrated compensator that defines the shooting experience. While the single-port compensator is certainly icing on the cake, Staccato doesn’t rely on it to define the XC experience. The XC is not just another Staccato model with a comp screwed on to create a different model SKU. Staccato has hand fitted, tuned and timed the XC’s slide using a tool-less guide rod spring assembly for efficiency.

Effective shooting is not just dealing with recoil and blast. The slide returning to battery is also a factor impacting sight alignment and grip. This is why professional shooters take the time to analyze different recoil spring weights during shooting sessions. You want enough spring poundage to cycle the slide reliably, but not so much that it causes the slide to slam forward violently after ejecting empty brass.

The Staccato XC’s slide seems to operate on ball bearings, moving so fluidly that the island front sight tracks smoothly during recoil. The XC’s setup allows the bulk of kinetic energy to be expended in the process of loading a new round from the magazine with the slide coming forward more gently and with a fraction of the force found in a typical recoil spring set up. This reduces the slide slamming forward and reduces muzzle dip. It also provides less felt recoil, helping you keep follow up shots on target or stay on track with moving onto the next one. Now after taking all this into account, add a compensator. Most literature on compensators indicate a 30% to 40% reduction of muzzle flip. Muzzle flip reduces the speed with which you can accurately fire multiple rounds. A well-designed compensator allows for an easier job in firing the weapon under normal conditions as well as under duress or with one hand. When in a personal defense situation, there’s no responsibility to engage in a fair fight. That’s why premium weapons, such as the Staccato XC, attract tactical shooters with its superior ergonomics and performance.

Drilling Down

I used diagnostic instructional scenarios in the form of the Bill Drill, El Presidente, and IDPA 5×5 qualifier drills to explore what the Staccato XC offered. Each of these drills place a premium on recoil control, trigger manipulation, and sight tracking. Blackhawk, Crossbreed, and C&G holsters were used with the Staccato XC. Ammunition spanned the gamut from Ammo Inc. 115-grain TMC, SIG Sauer 124-grain JHP, and Norma’s 115-grain FMJ, exotic 65-grain NXD, and 108-grain MHP loads.

With the Bill Drill, you start with handgun in the holster with hands in surrender position at shoulder level. A target is placed seven yards downrange. On command, draw and fire six rounds as rapidly as solid hits allow. Following your sights during recoil is crucial. When done properly, the front sight is never stationary—you just ride the recoil long enough to confirm the front post is back in the “A” zone and send another round into the target. The Staccato XC allowed me to generate times in the 2.4- to 2.8-second range.

The El Presidente (“El Prez”) is a three-target array spaced three feet apart and placed 10-yards downrange. You start with your back to the targets, hands in surrender position, firearm in the holster with six rounds in the gun and six rounds in a spare magazine. Upon command turn, draw and fire two rounds into each target starting from the side of your choice, reload and engage targets with two more rounds opposite your first run. The El Prez works draw stroke, movement, sight alignment, reload, and transitioning between targets. The Staccato XC allowed me times of 10.5 to 11.5 seconds while achieving proper hits.

The IDPA 5×5 classifier is another good indicator of how well you and handgun meld together—especially if you track performance with different handgun styles. Target is 10 yards away. Four strings of fire are used to generate total time with penalties for anything out of the “A” zone.

• String 1 Draw and fire five rounds freestyle.
• String 2 Draw and fire five rounds strong hand only.
• String 3 Load five rounds into a magazine, draw and fire, emergency reload, fire five more rounds.
• String 4 Draw and fire four rounds into the body and one round to the head of a target, freestyle.

The Staccato XC helped me generate times in the 22-24 second range for this IDPA qualifier drill.

I felt I was letting the XC down at times during all the drills. While my drill times were some of my best (of late) I could tell the Staccato XC wanted to go faster, but my abilities were not up to it. This is a credit to the weapon. The Staccato XC’s island fiber optic front sight, combined with its muzzle-flip- minimizing compensator, allowed for superior sight tracking between shots. The Staccato XC’s excellent single-action trigger pull provided another important advantage. The XC’s magazine well acted like a funnel during magazine changes. There were no reliability issues during the high volume, fast paced drills.

Performance

Range Observations

Mind your hand placement when manually racking the slide. Don’t grab the slide too far forward, near the comp. If you do, two things can happen: you might pinch your hand between the slide and comp, or you’ll end up fruitlessly trying to rack the gun while pinching the stationary compensator instead of the movable slide. The brass ejection is eerily consistent on the Staccato XC, with spent casings landing a few feet away nearly 90 degrees from slide. This illustrates the uniformity of the pistol maker’s machining, the time spent hand-fitting the slide to the frame, and the value of properly adjusting the pistol’s extractor and ejector.

Ammunition Notes

There were no issues with any of the ammunition we used in our test, with one caveat related to the Norma NXD and MHP premium defensive loads. Each cycled the slide, and were very accurate, however, neither would lock the Staccato XC’s slide to the rear after the last round was fired.

Sight Options

Lastly, testing for this evaluation did not involve mounting a red dot optic on the XC. The XC does arrive with the innovative Dawson Precision Optic reflex sight system in place for those who want to mount a red dot. Multiple plates allow for red dots (with Trijicon RMR and Leupold Delta Point Pro footprints) to attach to the XC while providing a co-witness with iron sights. The XC’s steel frame dust cover with rail offers a solid connection point for lights and lasers. A Surefire X300 was mounted at different times for this evaluation with no detriment to reliability.

Wrap Up

Cost is inevitably brought up when discussing a handgun with a price tag over $4000. With the Staccato XC, you feel as if you have reached the pinnacle of craftsmanship, design, reliability, and efficiency that can be found in the 1911 and 2011 genres.

 While the gun is certainly a viable consideration for competition, a more applicable role is using it as a duty or personal defense weapon. While you cannot purchase proficiency, the Staccato XC certainly feels like it offers a a skill enhancement. You perform better with the XC in your hand. There is no better compliment than this. A weapon like the Staccato XC feels analogous to a medieval knight’s broadsword or a samurai’s katana; it’s as much a talisman that signifies a warrior’s martial commitment as it is a weapon worthy of a legacy.  

SPECIFICATIONS:

Make: Staccato
Model: XC
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 5in bull barrel with island front sight and compensator
Overall Length: 8.4in
Weight: 37.5oz
Sights: Dawson Precision Fiber Optic Front, Tactical Dawson Precision Rear sight. Equipped with Dawson Optic System for mounting red dot optics.
Capacity: Includes two 17rd and one 20rd magazines
MSRP: $4299
URL: Staccato2011.com

By Todd Burgreen, Photos by Ethan Burgreen

The proliferation of concealed carry has led to a spike in compact handgun introductions over the last several years. Yes, many articles rightfully tout the abilities of full size handguns typified by GLOCKs, 1911s, and other types. Interestingly, the so called facts of life often intercede making carry of full size handguns impractical in certain settings either by clothing restrictions or mindset of practicing concealed carry. Do not think that your full size handgun of choice will always be convenient to discretely carry no matter how much you can alter your daily clothing or styles. The plethora of .38 Special snub-nosed revolvers and .380ACP semi-automatics being sold are proof positive that for many “convenience of carry” outweighs “willingness to carry” full sized handguns.

Handguns are accepted as a compromise in terms of lethality traded for portability compared to rifles or shotguns. A manufacturer that is developing into a noteworthy force in the US for all firearm categories, albeit sporting, competition, or personal defense, is Sturm, Ruger & Co. Currently, Ruger offers 400 model variations across 70 different products encapsulated within 25 distinct product lines. The Ruger LCP (Lightweight Compact Pistol) and LCR (Lightweight Compact Revolver) were both introduced several years ago in response to market impulses involving the increase in popularity of concealed carry type weapons. Ruger’s introduction of the LCP in 2008 and LCR in 2009 sought to combine proven personal defense cartridges to the smallest, lightest, practical packages.

The LCP is a semi-automatic chambered in .380ACP. Capacity is 6+1 fitting into a 9.65 ounce 5-inch long by 3.6-inch high by 0.82-inch wide package. An optional seven round magazine that extends below the magwell is available. The fixed sights are purposely minimal to reduce snagging for a handgun destined mainly for pocket or other types of concealed carry. The pistol has a glass filled nylon frame and a steel slide. The trigger is double action only (DOA) without re-strike capability. The Ruger LCP operates via Browning’s swinging link design as found in the 1911 and Hi-Power. Most handguns of such small dimensions are blowback operated. Recoil is minimized and reliability is enhanced by using the Browning method. Dual recoil springs supported by the non-captive metal guide rod are located beneath the barrel. A large spring loaded external extractor is used along with an external slide stop. A user can visibly inspect the LCP to see if a round is chambered via a view gap provided in the slide/chamber area. The LCP’s 2.75-inch barrel has an integral feed ramp and is bull nosed at its end to engage with the slide similar to what is found on bushingless 1911 models. There is no manual safety on the Ruger LCP with only a slide stop lever found on its frame. The trigger pull is typical of DOA semi-automatics measuring 6 pounds. The LCP is hammer fired. The LCP’s hammer does not protrude from the rear of the slide. Importantly, the LCP does not have a magazine disconnect allowing for it to fire without a magazine in place; an advantage for any weapon destined for personal defense encounters that predominantly occur in close quarters.

There are multiple LCP models available from Ruger that incorporate various sight systems including a Crimson Trace laser. Light weight is a feature much appreciated in any weapon destined for concealed carry whether in a pocket, belt, or other methods. Light weight often translates into not being left behind. The rear of the slide is serrated for positive tactile feel when operating the slide. The polymer frame interfaces with the steel slide positively along its length for smooth functioning. The trigger guard is slightly oversized compared to similar competitor models for easy access to the trigger when hurried.

Most will immediately think of the “snubby” when .38 Special personal defense revolver is mentioned. For sure, the “snubby” is holding its own in terms of use in the self-defense realm. The Ruger LCR can be had in several variants: .357Mag, 38Spl only, 22LR, 22WMR, exposed hammer, concealed hammer, Crimson Trace grips from factory etc. This article will feature the .38 Special +P LCR with Crimson Trace grips. What sets apart the Ruger LCR series from other snub nosed revolvers is the patent pending polymer fire control housing and friction reducing trigger cam that results in a smooth non-stacking double action trigger pull. Ruger must have spent countless hours designing and tweaking the trigger and associated springs. The LCR trigger is smooth and lacks any stacking when the trigger is pulled rearward. The LCR’s monolithic frame is made from aerospace grade 7000 series aluminum and synthetic glass-filled polymer finished in matte black. The LCR’s fluted cylinder is made from blackened 400 series stainless steel. The stainless steel cylinder is designed to handle full-power .38 Special +P loads. The LCR’s front latching system uses titanium components, optimized spring tension and enhanced lockup geometry to ensure the cylinder stays locked in place during firing. The LCR tested weighs 13 ounces and has a five-shot cylinder. Length of the LCR is 6.5-inches and height is 4.5-inches. The 17-4 PH stainless steel 1.8-inch barrel has 1:16 twist. The LCR frame’s grip peg allows for a variety of grips to be installed with the standard Ruger offering being a Hogue Tamer grip with a Sorbothane insert. Crimson Trace laser grips were installed on LCR for this review. The Ruger LCR represents a refinement of the classic .38 Special snub nose revolver by involving new materials and trigger feel.

The frame with Synergistic Hard Coat and stainless steel cylinder with Ionbond Diamondblack finish makes the LCR highly corrosion resistant. This is an important consideration for a concealed weapon that will be carried against your body for extended amounts of time. The LCR model tested has a concealed hammer, which limits any snagging on clothing when drawn in a heated fashion or operating from within a pocket. This was a real benefit when rounds were fired in a rapid fashion at close range—the likely mode when called upon in a close range defensive encounter.

The integral U-notch rear sight fits into the LCR’s simple effectiveness and expected range of engagements. The Ruger LCR model tested herein arrived with Crimson Trace Laser grip. Lasers have gained steady acceptance and popularity over the years. The visual red dot aids in accurate one handed firing and helps aim the Ruger LCR no matter what unorthodox firing position one may find themselves in. Another consideration for a weapon expecting use at close quarters is that the CTC Laser Grip allows for aimed fire while still keeping the weapon close to the body. This reduces the chance of a weapon take away if extended out for sighted fire. The CTC laser mounted in the grip area does not change any frame dimensions negating the need for custom holsters.

The LCR CTC Laser grip was first sighted in by indexing the laser to the same point of aim as the revolver’s fixed sights down a long hallway. This proved right on once tested at the range. The laser emitting diode is situated high on the right grip panel with the activation button located on the grip. The CTC Laser Grip is not solely defined by the laser installed in it. The CTC Laser Grip is ergonomically designed to offer the shooter comfort and control when shooting the LCR. The backstrap is wider than the stock grips and come up higher on the revolvers frame allowing for recoil to be distributed across a wider area. This translates into less recoil imparted to the shooter. The Crimson Trace Laser Grips act as a force multiplier making the Ruger LCR even better in a defensive encounter.

A primary method of carrying both of the Rugers was in a DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster. It was noticed that the Ruger LCP benefits from Ruger giving it the “melt” treatment rounding the slides edges and other points on the pistol to minimize any chance of it snagging on clothing when deployed. This shows design following intent of the LCP as a concealed carry weapon.

Personal defense ammunition for the .380ACP and .38 Special is enjoying a renaissance. For example, .380ACP ammunition has benefitted greatly from recent advantages in bullet and propellant advances. The Hornady Critical Defense 90 grain FTX .380ACP is a great example of this. Hornady utilizes propellants that minimize muzzle flash while maximizing velocity. The FTX bullet is the result of much research into what features a bullet designed for personal defense should consist of. Everything from the bullet profile to ensure reliable feeding to the polymer nose that guarantees proper expansion no matter the medium the FTX passes thru when striking its intended target. Overall, 380ACP ammunition availability seems improved of late with ammunition being more readily found on dealer’s shelves. Loads tested with Ruger LCP consisted of Hornady 90 grain Critical Defense, American Eagle 90 grain FMJ, and Winchester 95 grain PDX.

Hornady 125 grain, 140 grain, and 158 grain HP/XTP loads were used in the Ruger LCR. The Hornady loads produced minimal muzzle flash when fired. This is often overlooked in testing ammunition intended for defensive purposes. The Hornady 158 grain HP/XTP was settled on for daily carry. Unlike the .357 Magnum, where the 125 grain loading’s high velocity makes it a favored choice, the 38 Special, especially with a 2-inch or shorter barrel, needs a heavier bullet to be most effective. The Ruger LCR instilled confidence with its accuracy with both paper and steel targets engaged out to 10 yards.

Range evaluation for both the Ruger LCP and LCR consisted of normal protocol establishing reliability first, then getting into combat accuracy and handling. Several magazines/cylinders worth of ammunition was spent engaging plate racks and man-sized steel targets. No malfunctions were encountered with either handgun. The Ruger LCP and LCR’s ergonomic design allowed for minimal felt recoil and ease of getting multiple shots off quickly even with the lightweight of each. Both fit the hand better than many competitor models. After reliability was verified, time was spent manipulated the LCP and LCR from DeSantis pocket holsters. More of a point shooting or flash sight picture was utilized along with one handed firing grip. This to be a more realistic way of analyzing what the Ruger compacts bring to the table for user’s considering using them in the role it designed for—concealed carry personal defense.

The Ruger LCP’s trigger is familiar in feel to other triggers experienced, especially for long time striker fired semi users. The minimal sights found on the LCP are adequate for engagements that dominate the personal defense arena and were not a hindrance in engaging targets up to 7 yards away accurately. Similar comments can be directed to the Ruger LCR’s iron sights. However, the Crimson Trace Laser grips add another dimension to the LCR’s use. There was no problem seeing the laser on the target even when testing outside in bright sunlight. Most defensive encounters (80%) occur in low light conditions where the laser is crisp and bright and actually may work as a deterrent when seen by an attacker. After a couple of boxes of shells, there was nothing extraordinary about running a plate rack with the Crimson Trace Laser Grip equipped Ruger LCR fired from the hip at 7 yards using only the laser. Training with the Crimson Trace Laser Grip as serious as one would with open sights is urged. Many comment that fire may seem slower at first when using the Crimson Trace Laser Grips. This stems from looking at both the fixed sights and laser before firing the shot. The laser’s advantage rests in the natural tendency to focus on the imminent threat versus at the front sight interposed between the threat and the shooter. The laser will be seen on the target where the eye is naturally drawn. The key to greater success is to look at the target, pick up the flash of the laser, and squeeze off the round without referencing the fixed sights. Shooters have to gain confidence that the bullet will indeed strike where the laser is aimed. This is achieved by practice. Training with iron sights puts so much emphasis on sight picture that it takes time getting used to finding the laser on the intended target without referencing the front sight. If you sight the Crimson Trace Laser Grip in properly, the bullet will hit where the laser is projected.

The Ruger LCP and LCR will find their way into several roles as a personal defense handgun. Each will definitely find a niche as a back-up gun. Many will find the handy nature of the both the LCP and LCR make them indispensable and not being able to leave the house without either even when a larger weapon is carried. Others will find the LCP or LCR becoming their primary carry weapon by default, especially in summer months or under social conditions were discovery of a concealed carry weapon is unthinkable. The .380ACP and .38 Special cartridges have benefitted just as much as the 9MM in terms of bullet development increasing terminal capabilities. The Ruger LCP and LCR share the same strong suits in terms of being lightweight and minimal dimensions ensuring always being present. One just has to choose if you want a semi automatic or a revolver.

SITES OF INTEREST

Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc
www.ruger.com

DeSantis Holster and Leather Goods
www.desantisholster.com

HornadyMfg.Inc
www.hornady.com

Winchester Ammunition
www.winchester.com

Colt’s Cuts Handgun Line, City Suit Fails – UPS Rates Up

In a flurry of activity during the early autumn, a trio of developments occurred greatly affecting the sale of firearms in the future.

First, Colt’s Manufacturing Co., one of the oldest names in American gundom, announced in early October it will discontinue the major portion of its handgun product line. Second, one of the suits in the recent wave of municipal lawsuits against the shooting sports industry has been dismissed, giving a resounding victory to the industry. And third, United Parcel Service, the major land common carrier for the firearms industry, has announced all handgun shipments must now be delivered by air, greatly increasing shipping costs of handgun makers and distributors.

Let’s begin with Colt’s. In an October 5, 1999 dated letter to the company’s distributors obtained by Small Arms Review, Thomas H. Kilby, vp/marketing & sales, announced Colt’s “will accept no new orders” for the following products:

•Magnum Carry .357 Mag. snub nose revolver

•DS II .38 Special snub nose revolver

•Python Elite .357 Magnum revolver

•Anaconda .44 Magnum revolver

•.380 ACP pistols (models 06891 and DS6891)

•The new Pocket Nine 9mm compact pistol

•The 1991 family of 1911A1 style auto pistols (models 01991, 04691, 09091, 01091, 0409IU, and 09191U). A Colt’s spokesman notes this entry is in error, and that in fact the 1991 series will be continued.

•All standard model variations within the above listed products are also Discontinued.

Colt’s will continue to manufacture the following handgun models:

•Single Action Army series

•Cowboy single action revolvers

•Model O series, including the new model XS, Defender and Custom .45’s

Despite the product discontinuances, Colt will still have 35 separate models within its handgun lineup, keeping it as a viable manufacturer within the handgun arena.

Kilby’s letter takes note of the rumors circulating in recent months, regarding Colt’s possible withdrawal from the civilian handgun market. In explaining the reasoning behind the consolidation, the letter reads, “In developing our 2000 business plans and identifying strategic needs beyond 2000, we have had to face the harsh reality of the significant impact our litigation defense costs are having on our ability to operate competitively in the marketplace. Accordingly, we have made the decision to consolidate our product lines.”

While instantly creating collector’s items of the discontinued models sure to rise in value as word of Colt’s decision reaches the public, prices of those handguns still in production are being raised by the factory as well.

“Due to the continued escalation of our litigation costs, coupled with our strong desire to maintain a meaningful presence in the handgun segment of the business, the prices of (existing) products will be increased by 6%, effective immediately.

“Our marketing objective,” Kilby’s letter continues, “is to streamline our handgun product line into a smaller, but higher value collection of real Colt ‘Classics,’ which best represent our brand, with much more emphasis on providing custom features and custom appearance for serious gun enthusiasts. We are committed to taking a ‘Classic’ approach to the future development of our product lines and plan to focus more on what we have been best known for and done best for the past 164 years.”

Colt’s Match Target rifles, its new Colt Light Rifle bolt action line and its military products are unaffected by the streamlining decision.

A Colt’s spokesman (who requested anonymity) said the firm is, “rationalizing our product line based on sales expectations and demand. Part of the decision was based on the poor sales projections for some models, more than concerns over litigation.” The spokesman would not comment on whether any of Colt’s approximately 800 employees would be laid off as a result of the line consolidation.

New Colt CEO

In a related development, Steve Sliwa, appointed chief executive at Colt’s only about a year ago, is stepping down from his position. Sliwa will head up a new venture, to be known as “iColt,” which will work on developing and marketing Colt’s user-recognition handgun technology often called a “Smart Gun.” By spinning off iColt as a separate entity, Colt’s may be able to distance itself from the “Smart Gun” controversy, which has generated ill-feelings against the gunmaker by some firearms rights activists, who fear the firearm user-recognition technology may be legislatively mandated for use on all guns.

The problem is there are numerous firms developing such devices. Many of the prototypes developed thus far are based on the technology employed in the keyless entry systems built into better automobiles. So the technology itself is already here, it is the reliable application of it to firearms that has not yet been perfected. If Colt’s gets there first with a viable system, it will have a leg up on the competition.

As this issue of Small Arms Review goes to press, SIG Arms, Inc. has announced it has developed and is ready to market a workable electro-mechanical user-recognition system for one of its handgun models. However, the technology employed in the SIG product appears to be different from that used by Colt’s.

Retired US Army General William Keys, a Colt’s board member, has taken over the helm of Colt’s Manufacturing’s daily operations as the new chief executive.

Handguns reportedly account for about 30% of Colt’s revenues, but a much larger share of the profit. In December 1998, Colt’s completed the acquisition of Saco Defense Corp., of Saco, ME, a producer of military arms and bolt action hunting rifles. During 1998, Colt’s and Saco Defense reportedly had a combined revenue of $136 million and an operating profit of $13.4 million.

“While some firearms firms will see slight increases in their insurance premiums as well as higher deductibles in their policy proposals next year. Overall liability premiums are not expected to rise significantly next year,” says Bob Chiarello of Joseph Chiarello & Co., Inc. of Elizabeth, New Jersey, a broker of much of the insurance for the firearms industry. “The insurance companies overall feel the industry is being defended in the suits by competent attorneys and recognize the suits are a reach for the municipalities involved. Defense costs, in most cases, will continue to be paid for by the insurance companies,” he detailed.

Unfounded Rumors

There have been industry rumors circulating to the effect that other handgun makers, particularly Smith & Wesson and Glock, Inc. are planning to get out of the civilian handgun market or will curtail production for sale to consumers.

Glock, Inc.’s corporate legal counsel, Paul Januzzo, denied any move by his company to curtail consumer sales. He noted his company was actually experiencing lower liability insurance costs at present than it had faced several years ago.

“There is no truth to the rumors to that we are getting out of the civilian handgun market. Such sales are our bread and butter,” declared Chris Killoy, Smith & Wesson’s vp/consumer products. “While we are looking at a possible increase in our liability costs, we are definitely not backing away from the consumer market.”

UPS’ New Handgun Rules

In an unrelated move, but one having wide impact on the marketing of handguns, United Parcel Service (UPS) the firearms industry’s common carrier of choice, announced in early October that all handgun shipments will no longer go through the company’s ground transport network, but will have to be shipped by air. The decision will raise handgun manufacturer and distributor handling costs significantly.

In a statement distributed to the media, UPS says, “As a responsible corporate citizen, UPS wants to ensure handguns are transported as safely as possible by restricting handguns to designated handling channels. Effective October 11, handguns may only be shipped via UPS Next Day Air. We will continue to accept handgun shipments but all packages containing handguns must be segregated from other packages.”

Industry Seeks Alternative

Reaction from the firearms industry was swift. Richard Lipsey, owner of Lipsey’s, Inc., a major shooting sports wholesaler located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, minced no words when he commented, “Their (UPS’) decision stinks and is a very poor excuse for them in not being able to control theft by their own employees. They ought to clean up their own act first before trying to shift the blame to someone else. They said their decision is ‘part of their social responsibility,’ but it just irks me that they are just not taking responsibility for their own actions. Consumers should be aggravated as hell about this.”

Not all manufacturers will be adversely affected by UPS’ move. For instance, Smith & Wesson’s Chris Killoy said his firm does little business with UPS as it usually ships out product in large quantities to its wholesalers via land freight companies. By contrast, Glock, Inc., which uses UPS heavily, is apparently not that upset by the UPS decision. “They cannot get a handle on their employee theft problem, so you really can’t blame them for their decision,” says corporate counsel Januzzo.

Brian Tucker, president of Davidson’s, Inc. another major firearms wholesaler headquartered in Prescott, Arizona, said he is in favor of anything that, “helps to keep guns out of the hands of criminals.” On the other hand, he admitted paying overnight air shipping rates is likely to have a detrimental effect on gun sales and said RPS, Inc. is emerging as the most viable alternative carrier for the firearms industry, in place of UPS.

A call to RPS confirmed the company is considering becoming a rival to UPS for the firearms industry’s business. “We currently handle very few handgun shipments, but in light of UPS’ change in policy and the potential increase in demand for alternative services, we are taking a very close look at the firearms market,” revealed Betsy Momich, the company’s public relations coordinator.

“About 95% of our shipments are transported to their destinations by ground in 2 to 5 days. If the package is traveling within the same region, it is usually delivered overnight. We have 369 facilities in all 50 states and Canada and are UPS’ primary competitor,” Momich disclosed.

Cincinnati Suit Dismissed

In a decision of wide import, a suit brought by the City of Cincinnati, Ohio against the firearms industry has been dismissed. The suit was part of the recent wave of lawsuits by states and municipalities alleging negligent firearms marketing and distribution practices.

The suit, City Of Cincinnati vs. Beretta U.S.A. Corp., et al, in which 11 other manufacturers, one distributor and three firearms industry trade associations were named as co-defendants, was “dismissed with prejudice” (meaning it will be very difficult for the city to file a future action).

Cincinnati (in a manner similar to the other suits which are still pending) sought to recover for “costs incurred in providing police, emergency, court, prison and other related services in connection with shootings which occur in Cincinnati, regardless of whether those shootings were homicidal, suicidal or accidental.” The city further sought damages for alleged “diminution of property value and loss of tax payer revenue, punitive damages and preliminary and permanent injunctive relief” which would have required the defendants to change the methods by which they design, distribute and advertise their products.

In the view of the court, the city’s complaint was, “An improper attempt to have the court substitute its judgment for that of the legislature.” Something the court said it was “not inclined, nor empowered to do. Only the legislature has the power to engage in this type of regulation.”

In regard to the city’s claim that the firearms industry’s activities are a “public nuisance,” the court said nuisance laws, “do not apply to the design, manufacture and distribution of a lawful product.”

The court also quashed the city’s contention that firearms had no value in self-defense. The complaint had alleged the gun industry had committed fraud by asserting that keeping a firearm in the home increases home safety and security. Such an assertion, the court found, “is merely a statement of opinion of future events which does not constitute fraud under Ohio law. Indeed, the statement can be simply construed to reflect that which is set forth under the Ohio Constitution and the laws of the state of Ohio, which recognize the legitimate use of firearms for self-defense.”

As to one of the city’s more outrageous claims, for recovery of costs related to police, emergency, court and prison services, the court said these expenses arose out of the city’s “duties to its citizens,” and could not be recovered.